The creation of civilization marks the divide between humans and nature, leading towards an unnatural path. While many perceive civilization as a source of human pride and a symbol of elevated beings, there's a prevailing belief that advancements in medical technology will lead to extended lifespans and possibly, immortality. Moreover, it's thought that human intellect will continue to progress, resulting in individuals being healthier and more intelligent than their ancie...

'Knowing ignorance is strength. Ignoring knowledge is sickness.'- Lao TseTao, meaning 'The Way', refers to a power that envelops, surrounds and flows through all things, both living and sentient. It regulates natural processes and nourishes balance in the Universe. But, in the words of the Sage, its 'Name is Formless'. This means that any exploration of it starts from a position of ignorance, and any journey we undertake to reach an understanding of it is of...

A fascinating, eclectic collection of writings—spanning four hundred years—on samurai ethos, training, and education, from premier translator Thomas ClearyThrough the ages, the samurai have been associated with honor, fearlessness, calm, decisive action, strategic thinking, and martial prowess. Their ethos is known as bushido, the Way of the Warrior-Knight.Here, premier translator Thomas Cleary presents a rich collection of writings on bushido by w...

The enduring wisdom of the Tao Te Ching can become a companion for your own spiritual journey.Reportedly written by a sage named Lao Tzu over 2,500 years ago, the Tao Te Ching is one of the most succinct—and yet among the most profound—spiritual texts ever written. Short enough to read in an afternoon, subtle enough to study for a lifetime, the Tao Te Ching distills into razor-sharp poetry centuries of spiritual inquiry into the Tao—the "Way" of the natur...

This insightful translation and analysis of three core martial arts texts distills the fundamental principles of T'ai Chi for beginner studentsThe deepest benefits of T’ai Chi cannot be realized without an understanding of its underlying principles. This book presents these principles through translations of three core classics of T’ai Chi that are often considered the "T’ai Chi Bible," accompanied by the author’s insightful commentary. Master Liao demonstrates how...

The ancient warrior culture of Japan produced a sophisticated martial philosophy that we know today as Bushido—the Way of the Warrior. In Samurai Wisdom, author Thomas Clearly provides five important new translations of major Japanese works on Bushido.The writings of the scholar Yamaga Soko and his disciples are among the clearest expositions we have of the core ideals and philosophy underlying the Samurai's disciplined way of life and outlook. Together they provide an in-...

A beautifully clear and accessible explanation of how to live a Taoist life—with an overview of Taoist philosophy—by a renowned Taoist masterTaoism isn’t a spiritual extracurricular activity, it’s an integral practice for living all of life to the fullest. Taoist living rests on four pillars—the public, the domestic, the private, and the spirit lives. Not only do Taoists strive to live these four aspects fully and in a balanced way, they also believe there is an ou...

From Taosim expert Ming-Dao Deng comes The Lunar Tao: Meditations in Harmony with the Seasons, bringing to life the Chinese Lunar Calendar via the prism of Taoism.In The Lunar Tao, each day of the Lunar year is represented with a reading meditation, beautiful Chinese illustrations, and interesting facts about the festivals and traditions, providing readers with the context that gives Taoism such depth and resonance.Ming-Dao Deng, the bestselling author of 365 Tao: Daily Med...

From the time of its earliest sages in prehistoric China, Taoism has looked to the underlying Way of all things (the Tao) as a guide to thoughts and actions. For the Taoists, the patterns of nature revealed the answers to their deepest spiritual questions and provided the inspiration for their unique teachings. Over the centuries, Taoism has blossomed into a profound tradition with a variety of forms—all united by a single, core philosophy of radical simplicity and natural living. Today, T...

''Thich Nhat Hanh shows us the connection between inner peace and peace on Earth.'' His Holiness the Dalai Lama.... What is the right way to live? How do I balance my work and my family? Why do I worry, even when everything is okay? How can I repair my relationship with my parents? In Answers from the Heart, Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh offers his personal, heartfelt, and often surprising answers to fifty of the most pressing and common questions he has ever been asked. Each answer is a concise...

How to Master The Ancient Art of Moving Meditation!The practice of Tai Chi provides many benefits to the human body. Aside from the physical benefits, the practice of Tai Chi can bring improvements in different aspects:Challenge – Learning to master Tai Chi challenges your physical and mental capabilities. Tai Chi requires effort, patience, and discipline.Improved coordination – Tai Chi progressively improves your gross physical coordination and even the most subtle...